OK...you've got a royal pain in the neck, head, leg, posterior, wherever, and your doctor smiles knowingly and says, "You need exercise!" You make a face (well, not to your doctor, to yourself!!) for you hate to exercise--but then, you do like to live--so in spite of yourself, you start walking the neighborhood, jogging the mall, swimming at the Y, or whatever! After a few days of moans and groans, you decide you like it--and it's worth the effort to lower cholesterol, stress, and everything imaginable, so they say! You're proud of yourself, and ready to reward yourself with a chocolate ice cream cone--no-sugar, low fat, that is! Well, enjoy--but hold on--you are not quite done with the exercise routine! As a matter of fact, you've only begun!
For, you see, physical fitness while important to our bodily health and functions, is NOT all there is. Ask the ROYAL Trainer, or rather, just come to the Well. HE has some exercises for us that take no special walking shoes or jogging outfits--no stopwatch, no weight scales and no pointing finger when we cheat! Perhaps we are so outer-conscious that we forget the inner-conscious part of our beings--the part that gets all messed up emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and then affects the physical! You know exactly what I'm talking about--you've been there, are there, or are GOING there...so we'd better all consult the ROYAL TRAINER and learn our lessons well. No pounds to lose--except the weight of the burdens we are carrying--burdens of anger, fear, guilt, and stress--WHAT stress! Oh, come on--be honest, and walk BRISKLY to the Well. HE is waiting for us all there!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
The Royal Workout: Do a Head Hold!
Disciplining the thought life brings a safe-guarded, sane mind!
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)."
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8 KJV)."
The Royal Workout: Do a Shoulder Shrug!
Releasing to Him the heaviness and hurts of life brings healing of the heart.
Words from the Well poem
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee;
he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22 KJV)."
The Royal Workout: Practice Knee Bends!
Appropriating His peace through prayer brings a quiet spirit.
"Be still, and know that I am God...(Psalm 46:10 KJV)."
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV)."
The Royal Workout: Take a Strong Stand; Then Start the Toe Advance!
Standing on the promises of God brings a secure soul;
you will then be ready to advance in the Name of the Lord!
"Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND.
Bible Gateway.com - Ephesians+6:10-17"> The Armor of the Lord!
"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand...that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1 Samuel 17: 45,46 KJV)."
This past week, I've had a "royal workout" in my own life, and discovered what I REALLY needed was HIS "Royal workout"--to exercise the "inner man" (woman!) and yield completely to His Lordship of my life. It's hard--it takes discipline and determination, but therein is the secret--to acknowledge and obey His Lordship in our lives; to learn to trust Him, who is all wisdom, power, and authority; to submit to the principles of His Word, wherein lies our peace and security--and THEN, the healing will come.
May I share with you HIS Word which was quickened to my own heart: Bible Gateway.com - Nehemiah+8:1-12"> Nehemiah 8:1-12, focusing on verses 10-12. And here's one more key verse:
"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security (Jeremiah 33:6 KJV)."
And where is that "health and healing...peace and security" found? It's in DECLARING His Lordship, then DOING His Workout....a Workout in the Word! Walking in the Word each day will have us all spiritually FIT and emotionally ready to handle the stresses of life--far better than any physical fitness plan will ever do! Happy walking--in the WORD, AND in your neighborhood....race you around the block!
...and that's just a word or two from my workout pad to yours!
"'Twas the Night before Easter!" - popular parody at Peggie's Place! . . . More Easter resources
